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Male Sports Journalism student at UA92

Sports Journalism Accelerated
BA (Hons)

MEDIA

Are you passionate about sports? Do you want to share captivating stories with audiences world-wide? Our 2-year BA (Hons) Sports Journalism accelerated degree will fast-track you towards a thrilling career in sports journalism.
The Lancaster university logo.

STUDY OPTIONS

OVERVIEW

STUDY LEVELS

BA (Hons) Accelerated

UCAS CODE

P990

DURATION

2 Years

START DATE(S)

Sep / Jan / Apr

ENTRY YEAR

2024/25 | 2025/26

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

104

Course Introduction

What you will learn

The 2-year accelerated BA (Hons) Sports Journalism degree will give you the exact same skills and knowledge as our standard 3-year degree, only quicker! From breaking news coverage to in-depth editorial pieces, you will develop the technical expertise to deliver engaging multimedia content.

In just two years, you’ll learn what it means to be a sports journalist and operate professionally within the relevant laws, regulations and codes of practice. Develop your investigative, analytical and creative skills and understand how to harness data to back-up your stories. You’ll also develop your practical skills in interviewing, presenting, editing and reporting.

Our teaching team has lots of experience working for top-name broadcasters like BBC Sport and CNN, so you’re definitely in good hands! Plus, our industry connections mean you’ll meet some amazing people and begin to build your professional network.

So, if you are looking to study a sports journalism course in Manchester, our 2-year BA (Hons) Sports Journalism accelerated degree is the perfect choice for you.

How You Will Study

Course
breakdown

36 weeks of
study per year

 

6 x 6-week blocks per year

1 subject module per block

4 CPD focus days per block

Subject Module
Breakdown

250 hours of
study per module

 

80 hrs face-to-face (32%)

20 hrs Digital Wednesdays (8%)

150 hrs independent study (60%)

Assessment
Breakdown

No traditional
end-of-year exams

 

Year 1 – 100% coursework

Year 2 – 100% coursework

Your course modules

Module 1 - Media, Technology and Culture

You’ll reflect on your own everyday media usage, explore how rapid changes in information and communication technologies shape other social, economic and cultural transformations and consider issues of media production, dissemination and reception.

Module 2 - Communication Techniques and Creating Content

You’ll explore a range of different approaches to media products, produce a magazine, podcast or documentary; working together in a group to present your work.

Module 3 - Media Production

You’ll develop your practical media skills; working individually and collectively using different digital tools (including cameras, audio equipment, editing software), and learn to display your work online in a professional context.

Module 4 - Introduction to Sports Journalism

You’ll explore the key principles of sports journalism and get to grips with the ethical standards and professional codes to which sports journalists must adhere. You’ll gain an understanding of what sports journalists do and learn mobile digital tools to help your digital storytelling.

Module 1 - Sports Journalism Practice

You’ll look at case studies of different journalistic roles in sports; developing a personal career plan and identifying the key skills and experience required. You’ll engage in in practical sports journalism to showcase your skills and present your work in a professional context.

Module 2 - Media Narratives

You’ll explore how to communicate stories in an online non-linear environment, examine digital narratives and learn how to create stories using different narrative structures and understand how digital technologies, immersive media and interactivity, have reconfigured media experiences and the news.

Module 3 - Audio and Video Production

You’ll further develop your video and audio production skills; working in a small group to create sophisticated media artefacts.

Module 4 - News journalism

You’ll explore how ‘news’ is identified, gathered, researched, authenticated, recorded, and presented. You’ll produce engaging news reporting on a variety of topics and develop your journalism skills and understanding of a ‘newsroom’ environment.

Module 1 - Media Law and Ethics

You’ll gain an in-depth knowledge of the legal, ethical and regulatory constraints that exist within the media industries. Focusing on a UK context, you’ll explore some of the key tensions that determine the media coverage of events and get to grips with relevant laws, regulations and professional codes of conduct.

Module 2 - Advanced Sports Journalism

You’ll further refine your reporting, editorial and presentation skills by undertaking an advanced journalistic project focused on the world of sport. You’ll advance your interviewing and writing techniques and explore feature writing and long-form journalistic storytelling.

Module 3 - Data journalism

You’ll explore the increasingly important role numerical data plays in contemporary journalism, increase your data awareness, design skills and knowledge of data journalism and consider how data can be used and visually understood by your audience.

Module 4 - Final Project

You’ll complete a project, on a relevant subject area that demonstrates your research, problem-solving and practical skills.

What is the 92 Programme?

Alongside your subject modules, you will complete the 92 Programme.

Engaging with the 92 Programme is a requirement for all students and will count towards your overall grade.

In each block, you will take part in a number of Character and Personal Development focus days. During these focus days, you will complete activities designed to boost your mindset, develop your skillset and get you set for future career success.

Throughout the 92 Programme, you will develop skills in self-reflection and awareness, wellness and resilience and professionalism and employability, as well as upskill in different areas.

Find out more about how we prepare students for future career success.

Why the 92 Programme is part of your course?

In a recent study*, 78% of employers believe graduates do not arrive in the workplace fully equipped with the skills they need to be work-ready.

Another study conducted by the World Economic Forum** identified ‘10 Skills You Need for the Future of Work’. These skills include:

  • Emotional intelligence (EQ)
  • Analytical (critical) thinking
  • Active learning with a growth mindset
  • Interpersonal communication skills
  • Leadership skills
  • Technology skills

At UA92, we prepare you for life after graduation and equip you with the skills employers value most. You may not realise it, but developing  these skills now, will get you set for career success and could land you that dream job in the future.

*CMI Report: Work Ready Graduates

**World Economic Forum: The Future of Jobs Report 2023

How is the 92 Programme assessed?

You will produce a learning journal that will document your experiences. This will be submitted at the end of each academic year (or level of study) to assess whether you have met the required standard to pass the module.

Why study at UA92

UA92 offer a deliberately different experience to traditional universities; with fixed morning or afternoon timetables and no end of year exams. Our industry-inspired courses, place character and personal development firmly at the core of the learning experience. This is more than a degree. It’s preparation for life.

  • Degrees awarded by the prestigious Lancaster University
  • No traditional end of year exams**
  • Study one module at a time
  • Courses co-designed with industry
  • Fixed morning or afternoon timetable***
  • Multiple start dates throughout the year
  • Focus on Character and Personal Development

90%

said they felt supported with their learning.

NSS Results 2023

UA92 scored higher than all Greater Manchester Universities for Teaching, Academic Support, Mental Health Support Services and Assessment and Feedback in the National Student Survey 2023.*

THIS COURSE IS TAUGHT AT...

Old Trafford Campus

This is where our story began, back in 2019. The UA92 Campus is in the heart of Old Trafford, Manchester. Inside there’s a fully equipped Sports Performance Centre, Media Studio and Digital Academy. The tram stop is a 1 minute walk, which gets you into the heart of Manchester city-centre in under 10 minutes.

FIND US

UA92 Old Trafford Campus

Brian Statham Way

Old Trafford

Manchester UK

M16 0PU

Careers In Sports Media

What’s next?

As a sports journalism graduate, you’ll be ready to take on the opportunities and tackle the challenges of the fast-paced field of sports media. With an accelerated degree, you’ll be ready to kickstart your journalism career within 2 years. Whether you dream of becoming a broadcast journalist, news editor, TV producer, content creator, copywriter or public relations officer, a career in sports journalism has so many options.

Sports journalism offers some of the most creative and rewarding careers in media. There’s no doubt about it, sport has some of the most engaged and passionate audiences in the world. As well as creative and fulfilling work, sports journalists often enjoy travel, flexibility and high-earning potential.

If you are passionate about sports and have a flare for storytelling, this is your opportunity to become the next leading voice in sports journalism.

Industry Partnerships

We have over 60 industry partners who support our mission to develop career-ready graduates. These partnerships provide you with access to industry-leading expertise, mentorship opportunities and work-place experiences.

Our industry partners play a vital role in shaping both the curriculum you study and your student experience. From delivering guest lectures and masterclasses to providing internships and graduate roles. Here are just some of our partners:

Meet the Media Team

James Chambers
Course Leader

Phil Jones
Associate Tutor

Gareth Taylor - Media Academic

Gareth Taylor
Lecturer

Leasha Waddingham - Media Academics

Leasha Waddingham
Lecturer

*The NSS results referred to above compares UA92’s results against the 4 Universities in Greater Manchester (University of Bolton, Manchester Metropolitan University, Salford University and The University of Manchester). Teaching, Assessment and Feedback and Academic support refers to the average score across all questions in these themes. Mental health support services refers to question: How well communicated was information about your university/college’s mental wellbeing support services?

** There may be exams in some subject areas where external accreditations are available.

*** If you start in February, April or June or as an accelerated student, we can’t guarantee your timetable will be fixed am/pm throughout your studies.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

The standard entry requirements for the accelerated BA (Hons) Sports Journalism course is 104 UCAS points. However, each application is assessed on an individual basis, taking into consideration a wide range of factors. Depending on your personal circumstances, and in line with our  Contextual Admissions Policy, your application may still be considered on an individual basis. If you would like to know more about applying to UA92 or have any questions about our entry requirements, please contact our Student Futures Team.

LEVEL 2

  • 5 GCSEs at Grade C/4 or above including English Language
  • Accepted Alternatives: Functional Skills Level 2 (English and Maths)

LEVEL 3

  • UCAS Points: 104
  • A Levels: BCC (104 equivalent)
  • BTEC National Extended Diploma: DMM
  • BTEC Diploma: D*D
  • T Levels: M
  • Scottish Advanced Highers: AB
  • IB: 28 points with 14 from Higher Level Subjects

NON-TRADITONAL

Some qualifications do not carry UCAS Tariff points but may still be considered. We take into account a range of qualifications and work/life experience that can demonstrate your ability to succeed on the course. Each application is assessed on an individual basis, taking into consideration a wide range of factors.

INTERNATIONAL

International Baccalaureat 

Pass the IB Diploma with minimum 28 points overall, with 14 points from Higher Level Subjects.

English Language Requirements

In addition to meeting the academic criteria, if your first language isn’t English, you may be asked for a recognised English language qualification. This is especially important if you are not a national of a majority English speaking country or you haven’t completed a degree in English. If you are an international student, in order to obtain a student visa, you will be required to demonstrate that you have the correct level of English language competency to study in the UK.

  • IELTS: Overall score of 6.5, with no section lower than 5.5
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